I got a little bit of the good stuff last week.

The S.V. Aja

About a month back I was fortunate to be able to get onboard a 35 foot sailboat (Aja) bound for the waters NW of Tofino. We spent 10 days sailing, surfing, fishing, exploring and enjoying the amazing coastline of the area. Thanks to Rich Elstrom for making it happen. It was definitely the highlight of my summer.

The Aja

We met up with friends on the Ola Suerte

Surf caddy

Captain Rich is a viking

Tahsis

Coho for dinner

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Queens Cove reflection 

Bright nights

Spinnaker sailing

Shore leave at Nootka Island 

Skuna Bay surf check

Nootka locals were around but never showed themselves 

Nothing like paddling right from the boat

Estevan Point

Beauty eh?

Dawn

Good Morning!

South swell!

First Mate

Happy crew

Recently

I just did a quick little mission to the West Coast of Vancouver Island. That entire coastline has always drawn me in. With so many places to explore it would literally take a lifetime to check all of them out. I hadn't been anywhere new (to me) over there for a little while so I picked a spot, hiked in and spent a few nights camped on the beach. Another beautiful spot for sure.

All I need for three days.

Three km in. It only got worse. 

First glimpse of the coast.

Home for a minute.

This zone is infamous for these.

Steamed mussels anyone?

Magic light in the evening.

Low tide.

I managed to miss stepping on most of these guys.

The locals were around but never showed themselves.

Windswept.

I rode a few waves but I don't think I'd haul a board down there again.

Three more km back to the van.

Twelve months later...

This last year has probably been the most memorable of my life so far. In January I was just getting back onto a snowboard after starting chemo the previous month. By September I was off chemo and busy ticking things off my bucket list. Without the support of my family and friends I wouldn't be where I am right now. I thank you all for the best year I can remember! Happy New Year!!!

Technically from 2012 but it fits

Chris Fulton on Table Mountain. Thanks for getting me out on the skins and the bike Chris!

Up above Pemberton

Joffre Lakes tour with Dave B.

Hesquiat - finally!

Banked Slalom with Dano

Beating my brother got a little sweeter at the awards. Seasons Pass! Thanks Gwynn!

Chinese New Year

Gabriola Island

Walking up Mt Herman with Dan K and Mike Stamm

Winning the 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown with Rik Johnston

Reconnecting with Colin Adams

Visiting the Morrows

San Clemente

Gun Lake pickup

Spruce Lake drop off. Thanks for making it happen Dave Craig!

Monmouth Creek

Squamish from Echo Lake

Echo Lake

Squamish Music Fest was a real good time. J5

Fishing with Sean Johnson may be one of the funnest things ever

Orcas out of Sooke

Rowley mowing foam

Freshies ready for glass

Chicama - check!

3 amigos back from Peru

Garryoke with Bel Riose

Fundraiser in August. Thanks so much Leah!

 

Slow Food Cycling in Pemberton

Keith Zajac in the green room.

Beach camping

Nice setup

Halloween in San Diego

Vancouver morning